A Sudden Exit in Miami

Lionel Messi Lionel Messi has sparked concern among Argentina fans after leaving an Inter Miami match early due to a hamstring injury. The 38-year-old forward, expected to lead his country in defending their World Cup title, exited the pitch just weeks before the tournament begins. The incident occurred during a high-scoring 6-4 victory against the Philadelphia Union.

Messi had delivered two assists in a record-breaking first half for Inter Miami, which also saw German Berterame score twice. However, in the 71st minute, the Argentine grabbed his left hamstring and effectively requested a substitution. When Mateo Silvetti replaced him, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner bypassed the bench and headed straight to the locker room. He walked alone, slowly, without medical staff assistance.

Heavy rain began falling early in the second half, making the pitch slippery. It remains unclear if Messi's exit was merely a precaution. He did not appear to slip during the heaviest downpour. Rodrigo De Paul, his Argentina teammate, sealed the win with a stoppage-time goal on his birthday.

World Cup Participation in Doubt

Argentina has yet to announce its final squad for the tournament hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, but Messi is expected to be included. Nevertheless, his hopes of playing in what is presumed to be his final World Cup are now uncertain. The Argentine star has previously stated he will only compete if fully fit. Argentina's opening group stage match is scheduled for June 16.

Messi has appeared in five World Cups, winning the Golden Ball for best player twice — first in 2014, then in 2022 when he led Argentina to the title. He is the only player to have won this award, introduced in 1982, twice. Argentina is in Group J, facing Algeria in Kansas City on June 16, Austria in Arlington on June 22, and Jordan, also in Arlington, on June 27.

If Argentina, a strong favorite, tops their group, Messi could play in the round of 16 in Miami Gardens on July 3. The only other chance to play in South Florida during the tournament would be the third-place match on July 18.